165th SFS
Tryouts for special response team
& covid-19
Georgia Guard Helps with Vaccination Sites
Plus: New Senior Enlisted Leader | Leadership Cobb Visit | And so much q1 / 2021 |more 1
Contributing DOD Organizations
124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs Office, 165th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office, Army National Guard Unit Public Affairs Representatives, Air National Guard Wing Public Affairs Representatives, Georgia State Defense Force Public Affairs.
Editorial Staff Managing Editor Desiree Bamba Contributors Maria Balderas Maj. William Carraway Tiffany Irene Coulibaly Maj. Charles Emmons
Cpl. Isaiah Matthews Capt. Amanda Russell Maj. Pamela Stauffer Spc. Rydell Tomas Ltc. Patrick Watson Shye Wilborn Capt. Bryant Wine
CONTENTS NEWS
08|New Senior Enlisted Leader
Command Sgt. Maj . Matthew Marks assumed responsibility as the senior enlisted leader of the Ga. DOD.
10|177th BEB brings diverse skills The177th Brigade Engineer Battalion brings varied skills to the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
14|Black History Month Observance
FEatures 03|Georgia Guard Mask Up
Know which makes you are allowed to wear and how to wear them.
04|Leadership Cobb Visit
Members of Leadership Cobb visit the Clay National Guard Center and Dobbins Air Reserve Base.
06|Birth of the 48th Division
The Georiga National Guard reorganizes units after WWII to create the 48th Division.
The Georgia National Guard hosted a Corner virtual Black History Month ceremony at 11|Chaplain’s A look at spiritual wellness. Clay National Guard Center.
18|Around the Guard
Check out what the Georgia National Guard is doing around the state and world.
Cover story:
12|Helping At Vaccination sites
Georgia National Guardsmen assist in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine accross the state.
165th Security forces squadron conduct tryouts for new special response Team
Georgia National Guard
The Georgia Guardsman is published quarterly under the provisions of AR 360-81 and AF 6-1 by the Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office. The views and opinions expressed in the Georgia Guardsman are not necessarily those of the Departments of the Army, Air Force or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The Georgia Guardsman is distributed free-of-charge to members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, State Defense Force and other interested persons upon request.
2 | The Georgia Guardsman
Commander-in-Chief Gov. Brian Kemp Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Tom Carden State Public Affairs Director Lt. Col. Patrick Watson State Public Affairs Officer Maj. Charles Emmons
q1 / 2021 | 3
LEADERSHIP COBB GETS TASTE OF MILITARY LIFE Story by Capt. Bryant Wine | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard Photos by Cpl. Isaiah Matthews & Spc. Rydell Tomas | Public Affairs OFfice | Georgia Army NAtional Guard
4 | The Georgia Guardsman
The Georgia Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 94th Airlift Wing hosted the 2020 cohort of Leadership Cobb March 3, 2021, in Marietta, Georgia. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard, was the ranking officer hosting the guests. “We are here today because of the outstanding support we get from the community,” said Wilson. “From everything like everyday commodities to lining up meals for us, it’s just a great outpouring of community support that’s an example of what makes the relationship that we have here in Cobb County, in Dobbins, and in Clay so special.” The Georgia DoD and U.S. Air Force share the property that form Clay National Guard Center and Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, the county seat for Cobb County. The base also hosts detachments from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Being an area of significant military activity, civil and military leaders must frequently engage with one another to reaffirm partnership, trust and cohesion. Leadership Cobb is a program under the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce that facilitates leadership development for cohorts on a yearly basis. Cohorts are introduced to various industries at work in Cobb County to better understand the community and adopt leadership techniques. Cohorts number up to 50 participants with
backgrounds in local government, business and education. This engagement between Georgia DoD and Leadership Cobb is a make-up for an event originally scheduled in 2020, but cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at this event, Georgia DoD checked temperatures and screened visitors upon arrival at state headquarters. A mandatory mask order was in effect whenever physical distancing was not possible. Georgia DoD also provided numerous hand wash stations at sites hosting visitors. Morning events included meeting at the Clay National
Guard Center flag pole for reveille, a group breakfast followed by an information brief led by Wilson. U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Casey Mull, a public affairs officer from the 94th Airlift Wing, gave a presentation about the life of citizen-warriors in the reserve components of the U.S. Army and Air Force. Afterwards, Mull led a question and answer session between Leadership Cobb participants and a panel comprised of representatives of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Georgia State Defense Force. In the afternoon, military transportation took the Leadership Cobb cohort to the Dobbins side
of the base to view static displays of Air Force and Marine Corps aircraft. On their way back to Clay, the participants visited Georgia Army National Guard hangar one to interact with Army aircraft. “This is a great opportunity to really highlight everything we do and the capability we can provide, not only on the federal side, but also to the state,” said Wilson. “This is also a great opportunity for us to strengthen this partnership because a lot of the things we do on the domestic side, we partner with not only state agencies but also with local communities.”
q1 / 2021 | 5
the Birth of the 48th Infantry Division
Story by: Maj. William Carraway | 161st Military History Detachment | Georgia Army National Guard
For as far as most currently serving National Guard personnel can recall, National Guard units have been activated for federal service, deployed overseas in support of named operations and returned to state service as the same unit. This was not the case in the wars of the early and mid-20th Century. When the Georgia National Guard was mobilized for World War I and World War II, units and personnel were accepted into federal service and often reassigned or reorganized Effectively, the Georgia National Guard ceased to exist as an organization with the deployment of these forces and state guard organizations were organized to fill the vacuum. On March 15, 1946, former Georgia National Guard officers, combat veterans of World War II, gathered in Macon to lay the foundation for a new National Guard organization in the state. Brigadier General Marvin Griffin, Georgia’s Adjutant General and future governor,
6 | The Georgia Guardsman
addressed the gathering and observed the National Guard had very nearly passed out of existence in favor of federal forces. Griffin credited The National Guard Association for the survival of the Citizen Soldier concept. Griffin laid out a bold plan for the reorganization of the Georgia National Guard. “The zoning of Georgia is to carry out the War Department’s general plan for an over-all balanced defense of the nation,” said Griffin. Under the plan unveiled by Griffin, units would be organized geographically to maximize training and supervision. At the same time, the state would strive to perpetuate the lineage of Georgia National Guard units, some of which pre-dated the American Revolution. Macon would become the home of the reorganized 121st Infantry Regiment. A new infantry regiment was proposed with headquarters in Atlanta. While this unit was initially to be the 292nd Infantry Regiment,
Georgia opted instead to reinstate the 122nd Infantry Regiment which had existed from 1917 to 1939 before converting to form the 179th Field Artillery Regiment. In place of the 179th, Atlanta would receive the 945th Field Artillery Battalion. These and other units would form the 48th Infantry Division which would also contain units of the Florida National Guard. In addition to the infantry division, Georgia would receive an anti-aircraft artillery brigade. These units would be based on Georgia’s coast and Savannah River Valley with the primary mission of providing air cover for Atlanta and its industrial capacity. This brigade would become the 108th AntiAircraft Artillery Brigade, whose numerical designation would honor the former 108th Cavalry. Charles Bowden, mayor of Macon welcomed the assembled veterans, many of whom were in the Army Reserve and considering service in the
Georgia Nat i on a l Guard. Macon had served as the headquarters of the 30th Division prior to World War II, and its former commander, Maj. Gen. Henry D. Russell, himself a resident of Macon, also addressed the gathering. Under the initial reorganization more than 40 cities were identified to host Georgia National Guard units. General Order No. 17 of the Military Department, State of Georgia dated December 31, 1946 established the allotment of troops for the state to include the 48th ID and 108th AAA Brigade. The total allotment of ground forces was 11,270 Soldiers. Additionally, the Air Corps was allotted and organized under the 54th Fighter Wing. The 48th ID was headquartered in Macon with Russell as its first commander. In its original structure, the 48th ID was comprised of three Infantry Regiments, the 121st and 122nd of Georgia and
the 124th of Florida. The Division Artillery Headquarters was split between Florida and Savannah with three field artillery battalions, the 118th and 230th of Georgia and the 149th of Florida, armed with 105 mm howitzers. The Atlanta-based 945th FA provided division artillery with the heavy punch of 155 mm weapons. Special troops were also split between the states with Georgia providing the band, signal and MP companies as well as a reconnaissance troop. Georgia’s 560th Engineer Battalion provided engineering capability to the 48th ID while Florida supplied the 202nd Medical Battalion,748th Ordnance Company and 48th Quartermaster Company. In 1948, changes to the modified table of equipment for infantry divisions saw the addition of an organic tank and anti-aircraft artillery battalion, 190th Tank Battalion and the self-propelled 101st AntiAircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion.
The shoulder sleeve insignia for the 48th Infantry Division was approved on 16 February 1949. The design incorporated a four-pointed star, one point up, 2 3/8 inches in diameter, with each point divided into white and red halves. The patch incorporated
a 1/8inch green border. The four points of the star alludes to the number “4” and the white and red alternating segments allude to the number “8.” The design, therefore, suggests the number of the Division.
q1 / 2021 | 7
New Senior Enlisted Leader for the Ga. Department of Defense Story & Photos by: Maj. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard Orginally published Jan. 8, 2021
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj . Matthew Marks assumed responsibility as the senior enlisted leader of the Georgia Department of Defense during a change of responsibility ceremony at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Ga., Jan. 8, 2021. Marks assumed the mantle of responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Roy Marchert, who retired after more than 30 years of military service. Speaking during the ceremony, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom Carden, Adjutant General of the Ga. DoD praised Marchert’s long career in the military and public education.
8 | The Georgia Guardsman
“Today, we celebrate success. Command Sgt. Maj. Marchert has led at every level and delivered exceptional results for more than 32 years,” said Carden. “From his humble beginnings as an infantry Soldier, to serving as my mentor and our senior enlisted leader, Marchert has set the standard.” Central to the change of responsibility ceremony was the passing of the noncommissioned officer’s sword, symbolizing the relinquishing of responsibility from the outgoing to the incoming senior enlisted leader. As the SEL for the Ga. DoD, Marks assumed responsibility for nearly 15,000 personnel of the Ga. Army National Guard, Air National Guard and State Defense Force. In his remarks, Carden noted career highlights of the incoming and outgoing senior enlisted leaders. “Command Sgt. Maj. Marks takes on the difficult task of being my mentor and the standard bearer for all Soldiers and Airmen in our
formation regardless of rank,” said Carden. “I have served with Command Sgt. Maj. Marks for many years. Like Marchert, he has demonstrated success and delivered results at every level. I am confident that he will build on the great body of work left for him by Command Sgt. Maj. Marchert.” Marks began his military career in the U.S. Army in 1987 at Fort Benning where he completed one station unit training as an infantryman. He participated in Operation Just Cause with the 1st Ranger Battalion and subsequently deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. In 2002, Marks joined the Ga. ARNG as operations sergeant of Company H, 121st Infantry Regiment (Long Range Surveillance). In 2011, he deployed to Kosovo as the operations sergeant major of the 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment. Marks’ most recent assignment was as the command sergeant major of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team,
which deployed to Afghanistan from 2018 to 2019. Marchert was appointed senior enlisted leader in April 2018. Prior to this appointment, he held several key leadership and staff positions ranging from squad leader to command sergeant major of the Statesboro-based 48th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. He served as the command sergeant major for two brigades: the Cummingbased 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and the Marietta-based 78th Troop Command. Addressing the assembled Soldiers, Airmen, State Defense Volunteers and community members, Marchert recounted stories of mentorship and leadership. During his remarks, he held up a letter that had been written to him more than 20 years ago by one of his students. That student, Megan Pruitt, serves as the band director for Cass High School in Cartersville, Ga. Pruitt and six of her students joined the 116th Army Band in
providing music for the change of responsibility ceremony. Carden thanked Pruitt and the students of Cass High school and called attention to the role Marchert has played as a military leader and educator for more than three decades. “This is emblematic of our Citizen Soldiers who live and works in our communities,” said Carden. “Your influence is lasting and important.”
q1 / 2021 | 9
177th Brigade Engineer Battalion brings diverse skills to 48th IBCT Story by Capt. Bryant Wine| Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard In a brigade of infantry, cavalry and artillery battalions, one battalion distinguishes itself through the diverse and varied skills it brings to the fight. Don’t let the word “engineer” in 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) fool you. Fortress Battalion provides more than just engineering assets critical to supporting the entire 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT). “The 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion is the storehouse for capabilities that enable the brigade to execute freedom of maneuver, counter mobility and survivability on the battlefield,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dan Chicola, the battalion commander of the 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “The 177th BEB serves as a command network for echelons above brigade enablers that are provided to the brigade based on mission requirements.” Headquartered in Statesboro, Georgia, the Georgia Army National Guard’s 177th BEB is the most diverse battalion in the 48th IBCT. In addition to fielding two engineer companies in Glennville and Douglas, Fortress also wields a signal company in Macon, a military intelligence company in Forest Park and a forward support company (FSC) in Metter. Famously known as “sappers,” combat engineer platoons in the engineer companies provide the 48th IBCT with capabilities to breach and overcome obstacles necessary to enable the quick-moving infantry battalions. The engineer companies also possess horizontal engineers and route clearance squads to clear structures, roadways and bridges necessary to keep the brigade on the move. Fortress is the only battalion in the 48th IBCT to have signal and military intelligence companies. The signal company is collocated with the brigade headquarters in Macon, Georgia, so that it can facilitate communications between the brigade commander, the battalions and higher headquarters. Simply called the “MICO,” the military intelligence company utilizes platoons of Soldiers to collect and analyze information crucial to the brigade mission. The MICO also employs the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (TUAS) platoon to fly the RQ-7B Shadow drone for purposes of conducting intelligence collection, reconnaissance and surveillance. Though assigned to the Macon-based 148th Brigade Support Battalion, Echo FSC is attached to the 177th BEB to provide the battalion support needed to sustain operations. This includes a platoon designated to distribute supplies, a platoon of mechanics to maintain the battalion’s armada of vehicles and a field feeding platoon that cooks meals for the BEB’s Soldiers. Fortress has a proven reputation showing how diverse skillsets allow the battalion to accomplish state and federal missions. In 2019, elements from the 177th BEB deployed to Afghanistan with the 48th IBCT in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Only months after redeployment, engineers from across the battalion went overseas again in 2020 to the country of Georgia to train with multinational counterparts at exercise Noble Partner 20. These real-world, overseas missions occurred simultaneously while the 177th BEB responded to domestic needs. Along with combatting the spread of COVID-19 by forming infection control teams, operating testing sites and supporting food banks, the battalion also employed Soldiers to ensure safe and peaceful protests throughout 2020. Most recently, Fortress sent Soldiers to Washington DC to support local and federal agencies during the inauguration of President Joseph Biden. Fortress is an example of how diversity of skills and people promote strength in the Georgia Army National Guard. The 177th BEB has proven it can accomplish any mission at home and abroad due to the diversity organic to the battalion. “It is an honor to lead these Soldiers,” said Chicola. “When you combine all of the civilian skillsets that our Soldiers have together, this is a tremendously talented group of patriotic Americans that are successful in whatever they do.”
10 | The Georgia Guardsman
By: Chaplain Maj. Andrew Parker | 201st RSG Chaplain Commander |Ga Army National Guard
General George Marshall once declared, “The Soldier’s heart, the Soldier’s spirit, the Soldier’s soul, are everything. Unless the Soldier’s soul sustains him he cannot be relied on and will fail himself and his commander and his country in the end.” The value of spiritual resiliency cannot be overstated. But what does spiritual resiliency mean and how can a healthy spiritual life be attained? Spirituality is one of five pillars of wellness. Spirituality is defined as “One’s purpose, core values, beliefs, identity and life vision…” (ARCP). Personal courage and confidence are directly proportional to understanding one’s purpose in life. An individual’s spirituality draws upon personal, philosophical, psychological and/or religious teachings, and forms the basis of their character (ARCP). Though the path to spiritual resilience can be as varied as individual personalities, there are some common practices that strengthen this vital pillar of wellness. Disciplines associated with healthy spirituality are self-assessment, increased knowledge of personal faith, and regular spiritual practices. A personal inventory is a perfect start to enhancing spirituality. The feverish pace of western culture wars against the solitude necessary for effective internal evaluation. There are a number of tools available to help with a spiritual assessment. Questions for consideration in most spiritual inventories range from beliefs about purpose, meaning, and transcendence to religious practices. As with any area of life, personal appraisal of spiritual wellness allows us to determine if further investment in spiritual wellness would be beneficial. Another step toward spiritual wellness is increasing our knowledge of personal faith. For some this would be reading the sacred text or a daily devotion that helps center the mind and heart for the day. For others this step may require a deeper investigation of beliefs associated with personal faith. Still others may meet with another person of similar faith background and discuss questions that are often asked but rarely contemplated. Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” The exchange of ideas with a trusted friend helps improve our understanding. A third crucial step to spiritual wellness is implementing regular spiritual practices. For example, research suggests that those who consistently participate in mass or worship service are more likely to describe themselves are “happy” or “very happy.” Similarly, those who practice periods or moments of purposeful solitude have reduced anxiety. Spiritual disciplines such as praying, listening to worship music, journaling, meditation, and stewardship can all serve to be part of a spiritual wellness plan. Remaining healthy and strong is challenging. Nutrition, physical exercise and professional development are necessary to accomplish the mission. However, the impact of spiritual resiliency is often grossly underestimated. “When it comes to resilience, the deepest source of renewal, revival and persistence is the spiritual core” (Dr. Lisa Miller, Columbia University). q1 / 2021 | 11
Georgia National Guard provides support to vaccination sites Story by Capt. Bryant Wine | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard The Georgia National Guard began a new assignment on Feb. 22, 2021, as the COVID-19 response effort continues. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) and Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) opened four mass vaccination sites in Albany, Clarkesville, Hapeville and Macon. Over 130 Georgia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are providing support to these sites under GEMA and DPH supervision. “Georgia Guardsmen are assisting GEMA in every way we can,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Wes Borre, an officer in charge of Georgia National Guard personnel at one of the four vaccination sites. “If a task makes the process more efficient for the medical staff, then Guardsmen are lending a hand.” Assigned tasks at these vaccination sites include security, traffic support, on-site logistics, command post operations and administrative support. These tasks could expand or contract throughout the duration of the mission. The vaccination sites currently operate Monday through Friday. The duration of the Georgia National 12 | The Georgia Guardsman
Guard’s support to these sites remains indefinite. “We are absolutely prepared to continue this support as long as there is demand for the vaccine,” said Borre. “The Guardsmen here are in good spirits.” The partnership between GEMA, DPH and the Georgia National Guard exemplifies the continued whole-of-state approach the agencies have pursued in combatting COVID-19 since March 2020.
“WE ARE ABSOLUTELY PREPARED TO CONTINUE THIS SUPPORT AS LONG AS THERE IS DEMAND FOR THE VACCINE” The Georgia National Guard is capable of accomplishing tasks, like traffic and administrative support, on behalf of civilian healthcare professionals. This way, the civilian healthcare professionals can focus on treating patients, not maintaining paperwork. The Georgia National Guard is no stranger in partnering with state and federal agencies. Along with the proven relationship with GEMA and DPH since
Photos by: Cpl. Isaiah Matthews & Spc. Rydell Tomas | Public Affairs Office | Gerogia National Guard
the onset of COVID-19, the Georgia National Guard most recently supported the Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police during the inauguration of President Joe Biden. “Our GEMA coordinator and the other GEMA staff here have been terrific,” said Borre. “We are working as one team to serve Georgians and put an end to this pandemic.” COVID-19 vaccines are only available to Georgia citizens eligible in Phase 1A. This includes people over 65 years old and their caregivers, healthcare workers, law enforcement and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. Eligible patrons must register ahead of time and have an appointment any of the four vaccination sites. The vaccine portal can be accessed at myvaccinegeorgia. com or call 1-844-275-3428. q1 / 2021 | 13
Georgia National Guard Celebrates Black History Month 20201
Story & Photos by Cpl. Isaiah Matthews | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
T
he Georgia National Guard observed Black History month with a “Black History: An American History” presentation, Feb. 10, 2021, at Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Georgia. A small gathering of spectators attended while the Georgia National Guard livestreamed the event due to COVID-19 considerations. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom Carden, The Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard presided over the ceremony and gave the opening speech. “We have to be intentional that the playing field is level, so every young man or young woman has a path to the top,” said Carden. The ceremony began with a reading of President Joe Biden’s Black History Month proclamation. The proclamation called for harmony and unity between races and incorporated a declaration mandating February as Black History Month. “We must change. It will take time. But I firmly believe the nation is ready to make racial justice and equity part of what we do today, tomorrow, and every day,” Biden said in the proclamation. “I urge my fellow Americans to honor the history made by Black Americans and to continue the good and necessary work to perfect our union for every American.” 14 | The Georgia Guardsman
Following the proclamation reading, the ceremony presented a video comprised of African American Georgia National Guardsmen sharing their military experiences and how Black history impacted their careers. The guest of honor was U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Konata Crumbly, the director of the joint staff for the Georgia National Guard. Crumbly delivered a speech addressing members of the armed services on recent events that impacted the African American community. The Georgia National Guard has promoted many African Americans to higher ranks within the organization, such as Crumbly. Crumbly, who was promoted last year to brigadier general, was the first African American to serve as the 116th Air Control Wing commander. The Georgia National Guard remains committed to equal and fair treatment of all personnel despite race, gender, religion, sexuality and all other demographics. “No matter where you stand on your view of the world, if you are in this uniform, there is one thing you must identify with above all else,” said Crumbly. “That is supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States of America.”
FOLLOW US Keep up with all the action by following us on social media and be sure to @ reply us and use the following hashtags during all of your social media posting: Facebook & Twitter @GeorgiaGuard Instagram @GaNationalGuard Flickr @GaNatlGuard YouTube @Georgia National Guard Have some coverage you’d like us to share along our social media platforms? Email your photos along with a paragraph caption to: gaguardpao@gmail.com
q1//2021 2021| q1 | 15
165 Security Forces Squadron holds tryouts for new Special Response Team Story & Photos by Tech. Sgt. Caila Arahood | 165th Airlift Wing | Georgia Air National Guard
“If you go, I go.” This is the mentality required by the U.S. security forces Airmen who went through the initial assessment on Mar. 12, 2021 that they must complete to join the 165th Security Forces Squadron’s newest undertaking, a Strategic Response Team. The team, led by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Overholt, a noncommissioned officer in-charge at the 165 SFS, Georgia Air National Guard, located at the Savannah Air Guard Base, Ga, will be a group of security forces Airmen who are highly trained and equipped to respond to emergencies requiring advanced police tactics. Overholt served eight years as an active-duty Air Force security forces specialist, three years as civilian police officer and SWAT operator for the city of Savannah and now is a full-time security forces Guardsmen at the 165th Airlift Wing. “This assessment is supposed to seem impossible,” said Overholt, “I want to see these Airmen pushed to their absolute limit and observe how they respond under this kind of pressure, and ultimately see them 16 | The Georgia Guardsman
push each other and keep going even when they want to quit.” The assessment requires each defender to complete an official Air Force Physical Fitness Test, a timed obstacle course individually and again as a team, a ¼ mile team ruck march while carrying a telephone pole as a team while wearing full combat gear and a gas mask, shooting box drills with a rifle and a pistol and lastly, an interview and feedback session, said Overholt. “This “You go, I go” mentality I have is originally from the latin phrase “Ecce ego, mitte me” which translates to “Here I am, send me,” Overholt said, “ I am excited to have a group of people who understand this concept and are volunteering to put themselves in greater harm and take on greater risk together for a greater cause.” “The assessment was very challenging,” said Airman First Class Colin Ricco, a security forces specialist at the 165 SFS, “I continued to think about my “why” for doing what I am doing, which is my family and my
teammates, and that helped me push through and finish the obstacle course strong.” The main goal in starting this SRT would be to provide our base with a first-line of defense with outstanding Airmen from the 165 SFS who are subject-matter experts in responding to situations requiring a specific strategy and specialized training, Overholt said. “For example, say we have a situation on base that we decide we need additional support from an outside agency,” Overholt said, “Our team is going to have in-depth knowledge on the blueprints of the base including first and secondary breach points and a strategic response plan in place so that we can easily communicate and direct those who come to assist us when needed.” Overholt said everything they will train on is an extension of their security forces training and knowledge and is intended to challenge them to think in a more strategic way alongside other highly-trained law enforcement agencies. “This initial assessment went very well and they knocked it out of the park,” Overholt said, “They showed me exactly what I want to see, which is true grit and the ability to put their minds over matter to complete the course together as a team.” The 165 SFS will hold another assessment later this Spring for any other defenders who are up for the challenge and want to join this special team. q1 / 2021 | 17
Around the Georgia Guard INAUGURATION SECURITY Georgia Army National Guardsmen from various units of the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team take up security positions to assist the U.S. Capitol Police Department prior to the Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C., Jan 19, 2021.
PROMOTION CEREMONY Georgia Army National Guard Col. Barry Simmons receives his new rank from his wife Michelle and daughter Allison during a promotion ceremony at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Ga. Jan. 19, 2021.
18 18 || The The Georgia Georgia Guardsman Guardsman
OATH OF ENLISTMENT Major General Tom Carden, the Adujtant General of Georgia administers the oath of enlistment to Devon Merril at the Chick-fil-a College Football Hall of Fame. Airman First Class Merril is currently an Athletic Training student UGA and works with the football, softball, and tennis teams.
HONORING OUR PARTNERS The Georgia National Guard recognized many outstanding volunteers from the Medical Association of Georgia, Medical Reserve Corps for their hard work and partnership with the Georgia National Guard in responding to the global pandemic.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH The Georgia National Guard recognized the history of military service by women during a virtual Womens History Month event March 25, 2021, at Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Georgia.
q1 // 2021 2021|| 19 q1 19
Stay tuned for the next edition of the Georgia Guardsman Magazine!
Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447 Marietta, Ga. 30060 20 | The Georgia Guardsman
